Taipei, Jan. 6 (CNA) The purchase of nine American-made CH-47SD
Chinook helicopters from the United States will greatly augment the
transportation capability of the Republic of China Army, a Defense
Ministry official said on Thursday.

The nine advanced helicopters, manufactured by the Boeing company
and valued at more than US$300 million, are part of American military
sales to Taiwan.

Boeing announced on Wednesday that the first batch of the
helicopters will be delivered next year, and the Defense Ministry
official said they will form an air transportation battalion under
the army's airborne brigade.

He said that the sales indicate that the US government's arms
sales policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, and added that
Washington is expected to continue providing defensive weapons to
Taiwan to ensure peace in the Asia-Pacific region, in accordance with
the Taiwan Relations Act.

The CH-47SD helicopter, manned by a three-man crew, is capable of
carrying 54,000 pounds of cargo or 37 passengers at a speed of 140
knots. It can also be remodeled to accommodate 55 soldiers.

A related report said that over 600 helicopters of this model are
in active service around the world, including the United States and
Britain.
(By Victor Lai)